An infrared welder for thermoplastic materials comprising the combination of a
halogen lamp producing illumination in the infrared band located at the focal point
of a first parabolic reflector. The parabolic reflector is joined in a substantially
continuous fashion with a non-imaging lower reflector such as a Winston cone or
a "CPC" having a lower aperture through which essentially all of the radiation
from the source is directed. The aperture defines the shape and size of the weld
area. The lower reflector may be brought into contact with the thermoplastic materials
during the welding operation. Alternatively, a selectively operable press device
may be used. Several embodiments are disclosed including embodiments which produce
circular spot welds, linear welds, curved welds and corner welds.